Mold for unitary building structure



June 1966 J. L. WILLIAMS MOLD FOR UNITARY BUILDING STRUCTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 27, 1964 Joe L. Williams lNVENTOl-i. $6 M BY @uw June 14, 1966 J. L. WILLIAMS 3,255,990

MOLD FOR UNITARY BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 27, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 54 we /40 /4a Joe L. Williams INVENTOK. 48

June 14, 1966 Filed Jan. 27, 1964 J. L. WILLIAMS MOLD FOR UNITARY BUILDING STRUCTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig. 8

Joe L. Williams INVENTOR.

June 14, 1966 J. 1.. WILLIAMS 3,255,990

MOLD FOR UNITARY BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 27, 1964 4 sheets-Sheet 4 Joe L. Williams IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent Texas Filed Jan. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 340,313 7 Claims. (Cl. 249--27) The instant invention is generally concerned with molds or forms for poured concrete structures, and is more particularly directed to a novel mold which enables the simultaneous pouring of all of the structural portions of a building, thus forming a unitary or homogeneous structure.

More particularly, the instant invention is concerned with a unique reusable form through which the floor and roof of a building unit can be simultaneously poured along with the single necessary centrally located support column so as to form an integral unit.

Of particular importance in regard to the instant invention is the provision of a mold or form which can be quickly erected, and subsequently quickly dismantled or collapsed after a suificient hardening of the poured concrete has taken place.

Another highly significant object of the instant invention is to provide a mold which allows for the forming of a building unit having only a single centrally located supporting column, thereby enabling the erection of buildings on sites normally considered unusable for conventional buildings.

Likewise, an object of the instant invention is to provide ameans for erecting a complete poured concrete structure at a substantial saving over conventional construction methods.

Furthermore, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a building mold which, within the basic concept of providing a homogeneous building unit having a single support column, can be used so as to form a variety of structures, such as for example a unit wherein the floor is positioned at a raised elevation relative to the ground, a unit wherein the floor is positioned directly at ground level, or a unit consisting only of a central support and an outwardly projecting roof slab, this lastmentioned structure being particularly adaptable as a bus stop or service station shelter.

Another important object of the instant invention is to provide a form for molding the floor and roof slabs in the shape of a hexagon, this shape being unique in that it allows the side-by-side positioning of adjacent equal size units so as to extend the building, which may consist of any number of such units, in all directions.

Further, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a mold for a unitary building structure wherein the central support column can be extended deeply into the ground so as to in effect form an integral foundation pile, this being useful adjacent various bodies of water such as oceans and lakes.

Also, it is an object of the instant invent-ion, in achieving the reusable nature of the mold, to provide a plurality of specifically shaped form panels in conjunction with means for temporarily retaining the panels in predetermined relationship to each other so as to confine and support the poured concrete until the necessary setting has taken place.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings. forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the mold comprising the instant invention with several of the stabi- "ice lizing and strengthening members being illustrated in conjunction therewith;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional View taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2--2 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 33 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a partial top plan view of one corner of the upper support surface of FIGURE 1 illustrating one manner of bracing the panels thereof;

FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 5-5 in FIG- URE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a top plan view similar to FIGURE 4, however illustrating the lower support surface;

FIGURE 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 77 in FIG- URE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a partial cross-sectional view through the juxtaposed side edges of a pair of panels forming the upper or roof-forming support surface;

FIGURE 9 is a view of a similar pair of panels used in forming the lower or floor-forming support surface;

FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternate manner of supporting the adjacent edges of the panels shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a View similar to FIGURE 4 illustrating an alternate manner of bracing the panels shown therein;

FIGURE 12 is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line ]l2-12 in FIG- URE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a View similar to FIGURE 6 illustrating another form of bracing which might [be used for securing the panels;

FIGURE 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 14-44 in FIG- URE13;

FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG- URE 3 illustrating a modified form of column panel along with an alternate means for interlocking the column panels;

FIGURE 16 is a bottom plan view of the support collar for the upper column-forming tube;

FIGURE 17 illustrates one manner of securing an intermediate portion of the bracing and reinforcing rods illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12; and

FIGURE 18 is a reduced perspective view of a homogeneously poured unit formed through the use of the mold constituting the instant invention.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings reference numeral 20 is used to generally designate the mold or form comprising the instant invention. This mold 20 is utilized in forming an integral building unit 22 of poured concrete wherein all of the structural portions of the unit 22 are poured at the same time, these structural components including a single centrally located supporting column 24, a generally horizontally orientated floor slab 26, a generally horizontally orientated roof slab 28, and an intermediate column 30. The floor and roof slabs 26 and 28 are specifically formed hexagonal in shape whereby similar units can be added to the firs-t unit so as to extend in any or all directions as indicated in phantom lines in FIGURE 1.

Referring now with more particularity to the unique mold 20 utilized in forming the unit 22 and similar structures, it will be noted, attention being directed to FIG- URE 1, that basically the mold or form 20 consists of a lower support column forming tube 32, a floor slab forming generally horizontal support surface 34, a second 3 column forming tube 36 positioned above and in alignment with the tube 32, and a second generally horizontal roof slab forming support surface 38 engaged with the upper end of the tube 36.

Each of the vertical tubes 32 and 34 consists of six vertically extending form panels 40 arranged in abutting relationship in a manner so as to form a hexagonal cross section as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 15. These panels 40, preferably in the nature of hollow core panels so as to obtain the maximum degree of rigidity with the minimum amount of weight, are to be releasably maintained in position in a variety of ways. For example, in the form shown in FIGURE 3, each of the panels 46 is rectangular in shape and filler blocks 42 are utilized between the adjoining edges of the panels 40 so as to both complete the enclosure and form an abutting surface for the panels 40. Extending longitudinally through the tubes 32 and 36, for the full height of the mold 20, are a plurality of rods 44, these rods 44 acting as supports for the mold prior to and during the pouring, and also functioning as reinforcing rods in the finished structure 22. At vertically spaced points there along the rods 44 are tied together by suitable tie wires 46 in order to maintain the proper orientation therebetween. With continuing reference to FIGURE 3, a plurality of vertically spaced panel encircling wooden link chains 48 are provided, each of these chains including six pivotally interconnected links corresponding in length to the length of each side of the hexagonal cross section with at least one removable pin 50 being provided between two adjoining links whereby the chain 48, by removing the pin 50, can be quickly positioned and removed from about the panels 40. Finally, the tubes formed by the panels 40 are locked to the rods 44 through threaded hook bolts 52 projecting through holes in the filler blocks 42 and hooked about an adjacent rod 44 within the tube, the outer end of these bolts 52 receiving an internally threaded nut with a suitable angle conforming block 54 engaging the corresponding exterior angle. In this manner, it will be appreciated that not only is additional support provided for the panels 40, but also an additional means is provided for ensuring the centering of the rods 44 within the tubes 32 and 36. While only six rods 44 have been illustrated in FIGURE 3, the instant invention of course contemplates the provision of any number of such rods 44 deemed necessary to provide the required structural rigidity.

In the modification illustrated in FIGURE 15, it will be noted that the hollow core panels 40 include cmplementary beveled side edges 56 thus allowing a direct abutting engagement between adjacent ones of the six panels 40 so as to form the desired hexagonal cross section. These panels 40 are releasably maintained together by a plurality of vertically spaced encircling tension cables 58 tightened against the outer faces of a plurality of spacer blocks 60 which in turn have angled inner faces receiving the angles formed by the abutting panels 40. The tightening of the tension cables 58 can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as for example a turnbuckle 62 as illustrated, or an over center lever type cable tightener. Although not illustrated therein, it will of course be recognized that rods 44 are to be provided, these rods 44 being either independent of the tubes formed by the panels 40 or tied thereto somewhat in the manner 7 described supra in regard to FIGURE 3.

Mounted about the upper open end of the lower tube 32 is a collar 64, this collar 64 being angular in cross section and formed in two halves, each half including three angularly related portions which, when the halves are releasably joined by suitable bolt means 66 through depending ears 68, form a hexagonal shape when viewing the collar in plan, each portion of the collar 64 being coextensive with one of the panels 40. This collar 64 is similar in construction to the collar 70 illustrated in FIGURE 16, this collar 70 supporting the lower end of the upper tube 36 in a manner which shall be described presently. This collar 64 includes a vertical flange 72 and a horizontal flange 74 seated upon the upper end of the tube panels 30, these flanges 72 and 74 forming therebetween a seat for the reception of the inner ends of the support panels 76 forming the lower support surface 34. In addition, a short depending flange 78 is provided in depending alignment with the vertical flange 72, this depending flange 78, rigid with the collar 64, being received within the tube 32 so as to effect a centering of the collar thereon.

Each of the support panels 76, six of such panels 76 being arranged in side-by-side relationship so as to form the hexagonally shaped lower support surface 34, is generally triangular in shape with the inner or apex end thereof seated on the collar 64, and with the outer or base edge thereof forming one side of the hexagonal shape. These panels 76 are preferably in the form of hollow core panels including plywood skins 80 and a plurality of longitudinally extending interior rigidifying members 82.

As will be appreciated from FIGURES 1 and 2, the panels 76 extend upwardly and outwardly from the collar 64 at a slight angle. The adjoining edges of these panels 76 are maintained level relative to each other by elongated upper leveling plates 84 and lower leveling plates 86 bolted together by longitudinally spaced elongated bolt and nut assemblies 88 welded to the upper leveling plate 84 and extending between the adjoining edges of the support panels 76 and through the lower leveling plates 86. This particular arrangement is shown in detail in FIGURE 9. FIGURE 10 shows a modified form of leveling means utilized when extremely long spans are present, this modified form consisting of a longitudinally extending T-beam 90 engaged with the upper surfaces of the panels 76 to each side of the adjoining edges, the stem 92 of the T extending between the panels and having bolts 94 welded thereto and depending therefrom at longitudinally spaced points. The lower ends of the bolts 94 are received through apertures in an upwardly facing elongated channel member 96, with a nut 98 threaded upon the lower end of each bolt 94 so as to draw the channel member 96 upwardly against a pair of elongated beams 100 resting within the channel 96 and eggaged against the undersurfaces of the adjoining panel e ges.

Turning now to FIGURES 1, 6 and 7, it will be noted that a vertical fascia board 102 is provided about the peripheral six-sided edge of the support surface 34 formed by the panels 76, along with aligning and filling blocks 104 as needed. In addition, an edge form and screed board 106 is provided against the inner surface of the fascia 102 above the upper surface of the panels 76 so as to form a guide for the pouring of the concrete, it being contemplated that the lower or floor slab 26 be poured with a flat upper surface.

Positioned about the periphery of the support surface 34 and spaced outwardly from the fascia 102 by a plurality of tension block assemblies 108, one mounted at each corner, is an elongated tension cable 110 into which tension is introduced through, for example, a turnbuckle 112 or other suitable ca-ble-tensioning means so as to effect an inward compressing of the panels 76 against the seating collar 64 along with an inward wedging of the panels 76 relative to each other. Each tension assembly 108 basically includes a roller or pulley 114 suitably mounted, for example, between outwardly projecting ears 116, so as to receive the cable 110 thereover in a substantially friction-free manner.

With reference to FIGURES l3 and 14, it will be noted that an alternative method of bracing and supporting the panels 76 has been illustrated therein. This method includes a plurality of transversely extending bracing and reinforcing rods 118 having their opposite ends secured periphery of the support surface 34 through hooked anchor bolts 120 extending through the fascia 102 above the surface of the panels 76, these rods 118 remaining within the poured slab and acting as reinforcing therefor. As will be appreciated, the hooked bolts 120 are utilized so as to introduce the desired tension in the rods 118. Incidentally, it should be pointed out that, if so desired, the bracing means of FIGURES 6 and 7 can be used in conjunction with the bracing means of FIGURES l3 and 14 so as to further increase the rigidity of the floorforming surface 34.

The upper tube-supporting collar 70 includes an outwardly projecting horizontal flange 122 and a vertical flange 124 depending therefrom. Further, the collar 76, like the collar 64, is formed in two halves, each half, noting FIGURE 16, includes three angularly related portions whereby, upon a joining of the halves, a hexagonal cross section is formed, this joining being accomplished by threaded bolt and nut assemblies 126 received through outwardly projecting eans 128 at each edge of each of the collar halves, this arrangement enabling the collar 70 to be quickly clamped in position about the rods 44, and just as easily removed from the hardened finished structure.

The support collar 70 is fixed to the vertically extending rods 44 at a spaced point above the lower support surface 34 by means of a plurality of transversely extending dowels or rods 130 having the opposite ends thereof threaded and received through apertures within the depending flange 124 of the collar 70, upon which suitable nuts 132 are engaged. The intermediate portions of these dowels or rods 130 are fixed, as by welding or the use of U-bolts, to the rods 44 in a manner so as to allow no relative movement therebetwee-n. Incidentally, in addition to forming a support for the upper tube 36, the collar 70 acts as a screed in that it is contemplated that the floor level be aligned with the lower edge of the depending flange 124, this being in alignment with the top of the screed board 106.

The vertical panels 40 of the upper tube 36 have their lower ends seated upon the horizontal flange 122 of the support collar 70, these panels 40 being maintained in tube-forming relationship to each other in the manner described supra in regard to FIGURES 3 and 15.

An upwardly and outwardly flared cap 134 is provided about the upper end of the upper tube 36, this cap 134 7 being formed of six generally triangular hollow core panels 136 extending upwardly and outwardly at approximately a 30 angle to the horizontal, the side edges of these panels 136 being in abutting relation with each other and, if deemed necessary, provided with leveling angles similar to those previously described. In addition, suitable filling and supporting blocks 138 may be provided as needed.

Surrounding the outer hexagonal periphery formed by the six panels 136 is a third or top collar 140, this collar 140 having a right angular cross section forming an outwardly and slightly downwardly facing panel seat. This top collar 140, as was the case with the collars 64 and 7 0,

- is formed in two halves, each half having three angularly the panels 76, these panels 148 having the inner or apex.

ends thereof seated within the seat formed by the collar 140. From the seated inner ends, the panels 148 project outwardly and slightly downwardly'with the edges of the adjacent panels being juxtaposed to each other and retained level relative to each other through upper and lower bolt connected leveling plates and 152 as shown in FIGURE 8.

The outer hexagonal periphery formed by the upper panels 148 is provided with a vertically projecting fascia 154, an inner edge form and screed board 156, suitable mounting and supporting blocks 158, and a peripheral tensioned cable inwardly compressing the panels 148 through roller-type tension block assemblies 162, this tensioning means being quite similar to that described in detail in conjunction with the lower support surface 34.

As an alternative 'to the surrounding tension cable 160, diametrically extending bracing or reinforcing rods 164 can be provided, note FIGURES 11, 12 and 17. These rods 164, engaged at each end thereof with tensioning bolts 166, extending in spaced relation to the upper surface of the panels 148 directly over the center of the form 20, at which point the rods 164 are secured to vertically projecting portions of the vertical-rods 44 so as to maintain the rods 164 properly orientated and allow for the introduction of a tension thereo. Incidentially, while the panels 148 have been described and illustrated as being downwardly angled so as to form the peaked roof 28 illustrated in FIGURE 18, these panels could, if so desired, be angled upwardly in much the same manner as the panels 76 so as to form a dished roof, or for that matter a flat roof.

Referring again specifically to FIGURE 1, it will be noted that the mold 20 is primarly supported solely on the vertical rods 44 and the lower tube 32. While not illustrated, lateral stability is to be provided to the mold 20 through the use of peripherally spaced tensioned guy wires engaged between various portions of the mold 20 and the ground at points spaced outwardly therefrom. In addition, as will be appreciated from FIGURE. 1, various elongated pin-connected rigid braces 168 are provided as needed along with various turnbuckle tensioning cables 170 engaged between the tubes 32 and 36 and the panels, as well as between the panels themselves. Various ones of these members, such as for example the hexagonally arranged tensioned cable 172 retained by eyebolts fixed about the supporting surface 34 at an intermediate point between the inner and outer peripheries thereof, will remain within the poured structure so as to act as additional reinforcement therefor. Also of particular significance is the manner in which the upper tube 36 is spaced above the lower tube 32 and lower support surface 34 with only the reinforcing rods 44 extending therebtween, this arrangement allowing the pouring of the upper column 30 monolithically with the floor slab 26 and the lower column 24, the roof slab 28 also being homogeneous with the upper column 30.

In adapting the above detailed form or mold to various building situations, it will be appreciated that, for example, the length of the support column forming tube 32 can be varied so as to position the floor slab 26 at any desired height above the ground, or in fact directly on the ground if so desired. Further, the tube 32, upon being stink within the ground, can be utilized to form an integral foundation pile for the structure, such as might be deslred in soft or unstable soil. In addition, the lower support surface 34 can be eliminated so as to provide in effect a roof or canopy supported from a single integrally formed column with the ground forming in effect the floor. This last-mentioned type of structure will find many uses such as for example bus stop shelters.

In using the form 20, the various sections and components thereof are carried to the work site and quickly assembled, after which the concrete is poured thereby simultaneously forming the supporting column, floor and roof of a structural unit. After the poured concrete has set, the form or mold 20 is quickly collapsed or dismantled and removed for use at a different location. It will be appreciated that, aside from several bolts which will necessarily have to be cut or sawed, all the major components of the mold are salvageable, these components preferably being coated with an epoxy resin paint or cement so as to aid in their preservation and facilitate their removal. Further, because of the basic hexagonal shape used, it will be appreciated that a structure can be formed consisting of several of the basic units positioned or formed juxtaposed to each other in any or all directions.

While not mentioned supra, it should be appreciated that suitable reinforcement can be provided through both the slabs 26 and 28 and the columns 24 and 30 as needed so as to produce the necessary structural stability in the final structure 22. The exterior walls, not illustrated, to be used in conjunction with the structure 22 can be of any suitable material in that no external load will besupported thereby, these walls merely functioning so as to enclose the interior of the structure 22.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A mold for a unitary building structure comprising a vertical tube, said tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a generally horizontal support surface, said support surface surrounding the upper end of said tube, said support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper end of said tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a homogeneous structure consisting of a tube formed column and a support surface formed platform, a second vertical tube, means positioning said second tube in spaced relation above and in alignment with the first-mentioned tube, said second tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a second generally horizontal support surface, said second support surface surrounding the upper end of said second tube, said second support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the second tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper and lower ends of said second tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a second tube formed column and support surface formed platform integral with the firstmentioned homogeneous structure, said supporting surfaces being hexagonal in shape, each of said support panels being generally triangular in shape with the apex thereof constituting the inner end engaged With the tube, the diverging sides being positioned juxtaposed the sides of the adjacent panels, and the base constituting the outer edge of the panel and one of the sides of the hexagonally shaped surface, an outwardly and upwardly flared hollow cap surrounding the upper end of the second tube and engaged between this upper end and the inner ends of the surrounding panels, tension means engaged With the outer edge of each panel for drawing said panel inwardly toward the corresponding tube, and a plurality of vertical :rods extending centrally through the aligned tubes, said means positioning said second tube above the first tube comprising a collar fixed to the rods, said collar presenting a flat upper surface upon which the panels of the second tube rest.

2. A mold for forming a homogeneous multilevel poured concrete structure comprising a first hollow veru tical tubular form having an open upper end, a first generally horizontal forming surface secured to the upper end of the tubular form and projecting radially therefrom peripherally thereabout, a second hollow vertical tubular form having open upper and lower ends, means mounting said second tubular form in longitudinal alignment with the first tubular form and in vertically spaced relation above its upper end, a second generally horizontal forming surface secured to the upper end of the second tubular form and projecting radially therefrom peripherally thereabout, said second forming surface communicating directly with the second tubular form through the open upper end thereof, said second tubular form communicating, through its open lower end, directly with the first supporting surface and the open upper end of the first tubular form, both the tubular forms and the forming surfaces being constructed of a plurality of releasably interconnected panels so as to enable a dismantling of the entire mold, and a plurality of elongated rods extending longitudinally through the vertically aligned tubular forms and across the space therebetween, said means mounting the second tubular form above the first tubular form including a collar fixed to the elongated rods and presenting a fiat upper surface upon which the second tubular form rests.

3. A mold for a unitary building structure comprising a vertical tube, said tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a generally horizontal support surface, said support surface surrounding the upper end of said tube, said support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper end of said tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a homogeneous structure consisting of a tube formed column and a support surface formed platform, a second vertical tube, means positioning said second tube in spaced relation above and in alignment with the first-mentioned tube, said second tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a second generally horizontal support surface, said second support surface surrounding the upper end of said second tube, said second support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said lastmentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the'second tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper and lower ends of said second tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a second tube formed column and support surface formed platform integral with the first-mentioned homogeneous structure, and a plurality of vertical rods extending centrally through the aligned tubes, said means positioning said second tube above the first tube comprising a collar fixed relative to the rods in spaced relation above the first tube, said collar presenting an upper surface upon which the panels of the second tube rest.

4. A mold for a unitary building structure comprising a vertical tube, said tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a generally horizontal support surface, said support surface surrounding the upper end of said tube, said support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper end of said tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a homogeneous structure consisting of a tube formed column and a support surface formed platform, a second vertical tube positioned in spaced relation above and invertical alignment with the first-mentioned tube, means fixing the position of said second tube relative to said first tube, said second tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a second generally horizontal support surface, said second support surface surrounding the upper end of said second tube, said second support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the second tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper and lower ends of said second tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a second tube formed column and support surface formed platform integral with the first-mentioned homogeneous structure, said means fixing the position of the second tube relative to the first tube comprising at least one elongated rigid member mounted within said first tube and projecting vertically thereabove across the space between the tubes and into the lower end of the second tube, and means fixed to said rigid member above the upper end of the first tube and projecting outwardly therefrom into supporting engagement with the second tube.

5. A mold for forming a homogeneous multilevel poured concrete structure comprising a first hollow vertical tubular form having an open upper end, a first generally' horizontal forming surface secured to the upper end of the tubular form and projecting radially therefrom peripherally thereabout, a second hollow vertical tubular form having open upper and lower ends, means mounting said second tubular form in longitudinal alignment with the first tubular form and in vertically spaced relation above its upper end, and a second generally horizontal forming surface secured to the upper end of the second tubular form and projecting radially therefrom peripherally thereabout, said second forming surface communicating directly with the second tubular form through the open upper end thereof, said second tubular form communicating, through its open lower end, directly with the first supporting surface and the open upper end of the first tubular form, said means mounting said second tubular form comprising at least one elongated rigid member mounted within said first tubular form and projecting thereabove across the space between the tubular forms and into the lower end of the second tubular form, and means fixed to said rigid member above the upper end of the first tubular form and projecting outwardly therefrom into supporting engagement with the second tubular form.

6. A mold for a unitary building structure comprising a vertical tube, said tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a generally horizontal support surface, said support surface surrounding the upper end of said tube, said support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper end of said tube being open so, asto allow for a simultaneous pouring of a homogeneous structure consisting of a tube formed column and a support surface formed platform, a second vertical tube positioned in spaced relation above and in vertical alignment with the first-mentioned tube, means fixing the position of said second tube relative to said first'tu'be, said second tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a second generally horizontal support surface, said second support surface surrounding the upper end of said second tube, said second support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the second tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper and lower ends of said second tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a second tube formed column and support sponding support surface, and a plurality of spaced guide means mounted on and projecting outward from the corners defined by the adjacent outer edges of the panels of each support surface, an elongated tensionable member peripherally positioned about each support surface and engaged with the corresponding guide means, said guide means maintaining said tensionable member out of direct contact with the outer edges of the panels, and means for tensioning each memberand drawing the panels inwardly toward the corresponding tube through the guide means.

7. A mold for a unitary building structure comprising a vertical tube, said tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a generally horizontal support surface, said support surface surrounding the upper end of said tube, said support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper end of said tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a homogeneous structure consisting of a tube formed column and a support surface for-med platform, a second vertical tube positioned in spaced relation above and in vertical alignment with the first-mentioned tube, means fixing the position of said second tube relative to said first tube, said second tube comprising a plurality of vertically elongated panels and means releasably retaining these vertical panels in tube forming relation to each other, a second generally horizontal support surface, said second support surface surrounding the upper end of said second tube, said second support surface comprising a plurality of generally horizontally orientated panels, said last-mentioned panels having their inner ends associated with the second tube about the upper end thereof and projecting radially outward therefrom, the upper and lower ends of said second tube being open so as to allow for a simultaneous pouring of a second tube formed column and support surface formed platform integral with the first-mentioned homogeneous structure, each of said support panels being generally triangular in shape with the apex thereof constituting the inner end engaged with the tube, the diverging sides being positioned juxtaposed the sides of the adjacent panels, and the base constituting the outer edge of the panel and a portion of the periphery of the corresponding support surface, and a generally vertical form board positioned against the outer edge of each panel and projecting thereabove, a plurality of tensionable members engaged with the vertical form boards of the generally opposed panels, and means for tensioning said members for drawing the panels inwardly toward the corresponding tube, said tensionable members overlying the corresponding supporting surface for subsequent embedment within the poured concrete.

References Cited by the Examiner (Other references on following page) UNITED STATES PATENTS Durkee et a1. 5015-2 Dodge 25-131 Copeland 25-131 Foster 50-49 Shuman 50207 Boettner 25--131.5

McGuire 25-131.5

McCrory et a1. 202

12 FOREIGN PATENTS 838,320 6/1960 Great Britain.

J. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Primary Examiner.

5 MICHAEL V. BRINDISI, WILLIAM J. STEPHENSON,

Examiners.

G. A. KAP, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A MOLD FOR A UNITARY BUILDING STRUCTURE COMPRISING A VERTICAL TUBE, SAID TUBE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF VERTICALLY ELONGATED PANELS AND MEANS RELEASABLY RETAINING THESE VERTICAL PANELS IN TUBE FORMING RELATION TO EACH OTHER, A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT SURFACE, SAID SUPPORT SURFACE SURROUNDING THE UPPER END OF SAID TUBE, SAID SUPPORT SURFACE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY ORIENTATED PANELS, SAID LAST-MENTIONED PANELS HAVING THEIR INNER ENDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TUBE ABOUT THE UPPER END THEREOF AND PROJECTING RADIALLY OUTWARD THEREFROM, THE UPPER END OF SAID TUBE BEING OPEN SO AS TO ALLOW FOR A SIMULTANEOUS POURING OF A HOMOGENEOUS STRUCTURE CONSISTING OF A TUBE FORMED COLUMN AND A SUPPORT SURFACE FORMED PLATFORM, A SECOND VERTICAL TUBE, MEANS POSITIONING SAID SECOND TUBE IN SPACED RELATION ABOVE AND IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE FIRST-MENTIONED TUBE, SAID SECOND TUBE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF VERTICALLY ELONGATED PANELS AND MEANS RELEASABLY RETAINING THESE VERTICAL PANELS IN TUBE FORMING RELATION TO EACH OTHER, A SECOND GENERALLY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT SURFACE, SAID SECOND SUPPORT SURFACE SURROUNDING THE UPPER END OF SAID SECOND TUBE, SAID SECOND SUPPORT SURFACE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY ORIENTATED PANELS, SAID LAST-MENTIONED PANELS HAVING THEIR INNER ENDS ASSOCAITED WITH THE SECOND TUBE ABOUT THE UPPER END THEREOF AND PROJECTING 